Martha Stewart Shares Tips for Sourcing the Best Garden Seeds

The lifestyle icon recommends looking beyond local stores for unique seed varieties.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:35pm

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Martha Stewart says she sources many of her garden seeds from specialty stores and catalogs around the world, rather than just relying on local nurseries. While this can provide access to rare and unique seed varieties, there are important USDA regulations to be aware of when bringing seeds back into the United States.

Why it matters

As more people take up home gardening, Stewart's advice highlights how dedicated gardeners can find rare and high-quality seeds to grow unique produce. However, the story also cautions that there are legal requirements around importing seeds that casual gardeners should understand to avoid issues.

The details

In a clip from CBS Sunday Morning, Stewart says she loves to visit specialty seed stores like Vilmorin in Paris to find a wide selection of vegetable seeds. She notes that perusing seed catalogs from around the world is 'the nicest way to get your seeds.' However, the story points out that bringing seeds into the U.S. requires permits or phytosanitary certificates from the USDA to ensure they don't contain pests or become invasive. Certain seeds like trees and shrubs are even prohibited in passenger luggage. Gardeners can sometimes have small quantities shipped, but need to plan ahead to meet USDA requirements.

  • In a recent CBS Sunday Morning clip, Martha Stewart shared her tips for sourcing garden seeds.

The players

Martha Stewart

A lifestyle icon known for her expertise in gardening, cooking, and home decor.

Vilmorin

A specialty seed store located on the Île de la Cité in Paris that Stewart recommends visiting to find unique vegetable seeds.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The federal agency that regulates the importation of agricultural products, including seeds, to prevent the introduction of pests and invasive species.

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What they’re saying

“I find that perusing catalogs from all over the world are really the nicest way to get your seeds.”

— Martha Stewart

“When I go to, say, Paris, I go right to the Île de la Cité and to a not-so-little store called Vilmorin, and I buy every kind of vegetable seed.”

— Martha Stewart

What’s next

Gardeners interested in sourcing unique seeds from overseas should review the USDA's guidance on importing seeds and apply for any necessary permits or certificates before traveling.

The takeaway

While Martha Stewart's advice to seek out rare and specialty seeds from around the world can yield exciting garden results, it's important for home gardeners to understand and follow USDA regulations to legally and safely import seeds into the United States.